§ 11. Mr. Anthony Greenwoodasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the need to preserve the freedom of the Press, he will institute an inquiry into the present ownership and policy of the newsprint industry and into other factors which appear to militate against the survival of some newspapers.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNo, Sir.
§ Mr. GreenwoodIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that I tabled this Question to the Prime Minister because it raises issues which are beyond the responsibilities of the Board of Trade, including the impact of commercial television upon the advertising revenues of newspapers? Is he aware that this factor, as well as the high prices charged by the four newsprint companies, to which hon. Members have already referred, are generally accepted as being responsible for the difficulties which many papers are facing at the moment? If he cannot refer the matter to the Monopolies Commission, will he consider the possibility of setting up an inquiry into the newsprint industry of the kind for which there was all-party support last Friday?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithIn considering the question of setting up an inquiry, it is material to consider what is the likely benefit to accrue from such an inquiry. I have dealt with the position in regard 1371 to the Monopolies Commission and the Restrictive Practices Court in answer to Question No. 9. In regard to these wider matters of the competition of television and so on, it is difficult to see what help the Government could give to the newspaper industry other than by way of subsidy or restrictions upon its competitors, neither of which courses, I think, would commend itself to the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. J. RodgersWould not my right hon. Friend confirm the fact that the Newsprint Supply Company is wholly operated by newspaper proprietors themselves, who in turn operate an equalisation price scheme, and that they include the proprietors of Left-wing newspapers like the Daily Mirror and the Daily Herald?